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If you are craving a pasta dish that feels light, fresh, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Lemon Butter Pasta Light Recipe is your new go-to. It’s beautifully simple yet elegant, blending the brightness of lemon with silky butter, fragrant garlic, and just the right hint of spice, all hugged by perfectly tender strands of spaghetti or linguine. This recipe manages to be effortlessly quick while delivering a comforting, satisfying meal that feels a little special every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right balance in this dish is all about a handful of quality ingredients working in harmony — each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color.
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine: The perfect pasta shape to soak up the lemon butter sauce without overpowering it.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel that warms every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps balance the butter and prevents it from burning during cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers a fragrant base with a hint of pungency to elevate the dish.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Provides fresh citrus oils that add aromatic brightness.
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons): Gives that unmistakable zingy acidity that lifts the entire pasta.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick to balance the tang and richness.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a savory, nutty depth for a comforting finish.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: The secret to a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of pasta flawlessly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Splashes of green give a burst of freshness and pretty presentation.
How to Make Lemon Butter Pasta Light Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti or linguine according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender but still with a slight bite. Before draining, be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will be key to marrying the sauce with the noodles later.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute just until fragrant—the smell will tease your senses and tell you the magic is starting!
Step 3: Add Lemon and Spice
Immediately stir in the zest and juice of the lemon, along with the red pepper flakes if you’re adding that gentle heat. The skillet will fill with the bright, invigorating aroma of citrus mingling with garlic and spice, setting the stage for the next step.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your cooked pasta and add it right into the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure each noodle is coated. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top and slowly pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, mixing constantly. This technique creates a luscious, slightly creamy sauce that effortlessly clings to the pasta.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting carefully so the dish’s bright, balanced flavor shines through without being too salty. Toss once more, then remove the skillet from heat. Your Lemon Butter Pasta Light Recipe is ready to bring smiles to the table.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Pasta Light Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only injects a burst of color but also adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the lemon beautifully. If you want to deliver a little extra umami, feel free to offer some additional grated Parmesan right on the side for sprinkling.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple salads—like a classic arugula and cherry tomato mix dressed lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Steamed or sautéed vegetables such as asparagus or green beans also make excellent companion sides, providing fresh crunch to contrast the silky pasta. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp are perfect additions.
Creative Ways to Present
For an appealing presentation, twirl small nests of pasta neatly onto plates using a fork and tongs, then drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. A few thin lemon slices or lemon curls can add an elegant touch. Serve with warm, crusty bread on the side to sop up every last drop and create a truly inviting experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Butter Pasta Light Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because pasta can absorb sauce when stored, add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water before reheating to keep it moist and delicious.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh to retain its vibrant flavors and texture, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. When thawing, it’s best to do so overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the noodles.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small amount of olive oil or reserved pasta water to help revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving without moisture as this can dry out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this Lemon Butter Pasta Light Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works just fine in this recipe—just cook it according to the package directions and reserve the pasta water as you would with regular pasta. The flavors will still be vibrant and the sauce will cling beautifully.
Is this Lemon Butter Pasta suitable for vegans?
This recipe as written includes butter and Parmesan cheese, which are not vegan. However, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute to keep the dish light and tasty.
How can I make this dish more filling?
Add protein like sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or roasted chickpeas. Incorporating steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers will also boost the nutritional value and volume without weighing the dish down.
What if I don’t like spicy food—can I skip the red pepper flakes?
Definitely! The red pepper flakes are optional and meant to add a subtle kick. If you prefer mild flavors, simply leave them out. The lemon and garlic flavors are so bright and flavorful your pasta will still be delicious.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Since the sauce comes together quickly in the skillet and tastes freshest right away, it’s best to make it right before serving. However, you can mince the garlic and prepare the lemon zest and juice beforehand to save time.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Lemon Butter Pasta Light Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen for quick, flavorful meals that never feel heavy. With its bright citrus notes and comforting buttery richness, it’s the kind of recipe you want to revisit again and again, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or to impress friends with something fresh and delicious. Go ahead and enjoy every zesty, buttery bite!
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Print
Lemon Butter Pasta Light Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Butter Pasta Light is a quick, vibrant Italian-inspired dish that combines zesty lemon, buttery richness, and garlic for a bright yet comforting meal. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, it features tender pasta tossed in a light lemon-butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. It’s an easy vegetarian pasta recipe that can be elevated with optional proteins or vegetables, making it versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Lemon and Spices: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice into the skillet. If using, add the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and give the sauce a good stir to combine all flavors.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss well to coat each strand evenly in the flavorful sauce.
- Finish Sauce: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, then gradually pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time while stirring constantly. This helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, creating a light and glossy finish.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or steamed vegetables for a more filling meal.
- For extra brightness, finish with a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
